Drone Used To Capture Arson Suspect In Spree Of Irvine Brush Fires
IRVINE (CBSLA) – Police used a drone to find and capture an arson suspect accused of setting several fires along the 261 Toll Freeway in Irvine Thursday night.
The first of several fires was reported at 6:20 p.m. near the 261 and 5 Freeways, according to Irvine police.
Orange County Fire Authority crews extinguished the blaze. However, about two hours later, a second fire was reported along the 261 Freeway at Bryan Avenue, near an apartment complex.
Firefighters were able to extinguish that one as well.
Using a drone, Irvine police then located a man starting a third fire on the freeway, this time near Irvine Boulevard.
The suspect, 41-year-old Lozano Martinez, was found trying to hide and taken into custody on arson charges, police said.
No buildings were damaged in the fires.
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